American College of Dubai

School Description

The American College of Dubai (ACD) is a private educational institution incorporated under the laws of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The college is a constituent unit of the Al-Shafar Group of Companies, a well-known entity in Dubai, noted for providing social and public services to the local community. ACD is licensed as an institution of higher learning by the Dubai Municipality and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research - which accredits its academic programs.

The College is located on a purpose-built campus in the Al Garhoud area of Dubai near the Dubai International Airport and opposite the Dubai Festival City in a complex of schools and educational facilities. Its campus includes lecture halls, a separate library building with study areas, a major computer centre and related resource rooms, as well as a small clinic staffed by a resident nurse. Student activity areas include outdoor sports facilities such as a football field as well as basketball and volleyball courts. There is also a games hall beside the cafeteria as well as a dedicated activities area. ACD was established in 1990 and moved to its existing, purpose-built facilities in 1998. A major expansion of the campus was completed in 2001, at which time the library facility was constructed along with a larger student service area as well as additional Information Technology facilities. A subsequent major facility refurbishment was accomplished in 2008.

The mission of the American College of Dubai is to provide its students with the intellectual and social foundations necessary to prepare them to lead fulfilling lives as competent, committed and compassionate members of a global society. Utilizing well-equipped facilities and small class sizes, ACD focuses on delivering engaging instruction in an environment that fosters critical thinking and serious business career preparation. The Institution ensures its programs meet the needs of its stakeholders by constant interaction with the business community as well as other and international institutions of higher learning. The College also assists in the socialization and maturation of young adults by providing an environment that stresses the importance of ethical behavior and community involvement.

ACD seeks to provide a quality and affordable education that enables students to immerse themselves in a US-style higher educational system. Specifically, its programs include the broad-based General Education Requirements characteristic of the US educational system with an emphasis on widening the perspective of the educated individual. Transfer-oriented students completing these initial requirements are assisted in transferring their “credits” toward the completion of a degree at universities in the USA and other countries.

For students who wish to complete their degree in Dubai, the college provides business-related, job-oriented degree programs that enable students to complete all of their qualifications in the UAE. In order to better prepare for employment those who earn an ACD awarded degree, the college assists students in obtaining work-related experience through well–coordinated internships as part of their course of study.